Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are intelligent, affectionate, and social marsupials native to Australia and nearby islands. These tiny, nocturnal creatures have become popular pets due to their playful demeanor and distinctive ability to glide through the air using flaps of skin between their limbs. However, their unique biology means they require a very specific diet to thrive in captivity. Feeding your sugar glider the wrong foods — even items that are healthy for humans or other pets — can lead to serious health complications or even premature death.
Understanding what not to feed a sugar glider is just as important, if not more so, than knowing what to feed them. Due to misinformation, many well-meaning owners inadvertently expose their pets to dangerous foods. This comprehensive guide outlines exactly which foods are harmful, why they’re dangerous, and how to keep your sugar glider safe and healthy.
Understanding the Sugar Glider’s Natural Diet
Before diving into what you should avoid, it’s critical to understand what sugar gliders eat in the wild. In their native habitats, they consume a wide variety of foods including:
- Sap and nectar from eucalyptus and acacia trees
- Insects and other small invertebrates
- Pollen and soft-bodied arthropods
- Occasional fruits and blossoms
This natural diet is high in protein, moderate in fat, low in sugar, and rich in calcium. In captivity, their diet should mimic this nutritional balance to support proper metabolic function, skeletal health, and activity levels.
The popular “TSP” diet (a mix of Leadbeater’s formula, fruits, and protein sources) is commonly recommended, but deviations from safe feeding practices — especially the inclusion of inappropriate foods — can quickly lead to dietary imbalance.
Foods That Are Toxic to Sugar Gliders
Certain foods are outright toxic to sugar gliders. Ingesting even small quantities can lead to acute poisoning, organ failure, or neurological issues.
Chocolate and Caffeinated Products
Never feed chocolate, coffee, or any food containing caffeine or theobromine. These substances are highly toxic to sugar gliders, just as they are to dogs and cats. Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, affects the central nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Since sugar gliders have a rapid metabolism, toxins take effect quickly.
Even a tiny bite of chocolate can cause tremors, seizures, rapid breathing, and potentially death. Avoid feeding any human dessert containing chocolate or coffee flavors, and be cautious with processed foods that may include cocoa or caffeine as hidden ingredients.
Alcohol and Xylitol-Containing Products
Sugar gliders are extremely sensitive to alcohol and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Alcoholic beverages, including fermented fruit juices, should be strictly avoided. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and can lead to respiratory failure.
Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some toothpaste, is especially dangerous. In humans, it’s harmless, but in many animals — including sugar gliders — it triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). This can result in weakness, lethargy, seizures, and liver failure.
Always read labels carefully. Many commercial “sugar-free” foods boast xylitol as a key ingredient.
Foods with High Oxalate Content
Certain vegetables, like spinach, beet greens, and Swiss chard, contain high levels of oxalates. When consumed in excess, oxalates bind with calcium in the body and inhibit its absorption. Since sugar gliders already require a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (ideally 2:1), calcium deficiency is a real risk.
Over time, feeding oxalate-rich vegetables — even in moderate amounts — can lead to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSH), also known as metabolic bone disease (MBD). Symptoms include weak bones, limb fractures, difficulty moving, and deformities. To prevent this, limit spinach and similar greens and instead use low-oxalate greens like endive, escarole, or romaine.
Fruits and Vegetables to Avoid or Limit
While fruit is a natural treat for sugar gliders, not all fruits are safe — and some should be avoided altogether.
Fruits High in Phosphorus or Low in Nutritional Value
Sugar gliders require more calcium than phosphorus, but many common fruits have a poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. For example:
- Bananas – very high in phosphorus and low in calcium.
- Grapes – can cause kidney damage if fed too frequently.
- Citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, grapefruits) – highly acidic and can disrupt digestion or irritate the stomach lining.
While small, occasional amounts may not cause immediate harm, frequent feeding of these fruits can lead to long-term health issues. It’s better to choose fruits with balanced nutrient profiles such as apples (seeds removed), papaya, and mango.
Avocado Is a Dangerous Exception
Avocado is extremely dangerous for sugar gliders. It contains a compound called persin, which is toxic to many small animals. In birds, persin causes respiratory distress and heart damage — similarly, in sugar gliders, avocado ingestion can lead to sudden cardiac failure.
Even a small piece can be fatal. Never include avocado as part of your sugar glider’s diet. This includes guacamole or processed foods that might contain avocado oil or fruit.
Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums
Onions, garlic, chives, leeks, and other members of the allium family contain sulfides that can damage red blood cells. This can lead to hemolytic anemia in sugar gliders, weakening their ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms include lethargy, pale gums, and labored breathing.
These flavor enhancers are common in human-prepared foods, so avoid feeding any cooked meals or leftovers that contain these ingredients. Even small amounts used flavor dishes can be harmful.
Protein Sources That Puts Sugar Gliders at Risk
Sugar gliders need a consistent source of high-quality protein — about 50% of their diet should be protein-rich. However, not all protein sources are appropriate.
Raw or Undercooked Meats
Avoid feeding raw chicken, beef, or fish. These can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or listeria. Sugar gliders have small digestive systems and are highly susceptible to bacterial infections. Cooked lean meats like boiled chicken, turkey, or hard-boiled eggs are safer alternatives.
Pork and Processed Meats
Pork products, including bacon, sausage, and ham, should be avoided. They are high in fat, salt, and preservatives such as nitrates, which are toxic over time. Additionally, many processed meats are linked to increased cancer risks even in humans, let alone tiny marsupials with sensitive metabolisms.
Stick to lean, natural proteins and always avoid seasonings, oils, or sauces.
Dairy and Lactose-Containing Foods
Sugar gliders are lactose intolerant. While milk and yogurt may seem like a good calcium source, they cause digestive upset. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, and dehydration.
Instead of dairy, use alternatives like calcium-fortified water or supplements. Yogurt drops marketed for small animals are often misleading — check the ingredients carefully. Even small amounts of dairy can trigger GI distress.
Common Household Foods That Are Often Overlooked
Many owners inadvertently expose their sugar gliders to danger by offering common snacks or table scraps. Always remember: human food is not pet food.
Bread, Cereal, and Grains
Foods like bread, crackers, rice cereals, and pasta may seem harmless, but they offer little nutritional value and are often high in refined carbohydrates and salt. Sugar gliders don’t have the digestive enzymes to process grains efficiently, which can lead to obesity and malnutrition.
Moreover, moldy bread can contain aflatoxins — deadly compounds that cause liver damage. Never use bread as a filler or treat.
Candy, Sugary Snacks, and Desserts
While sugar gliders are named for their love of sweet sap, this doesn’t mean they should eat refined sugar. Candy, cake, cookies, and sweetened cereals can lead to rapid weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes-like symptoms. Their small size means they metabolize sugar extremely quickly, leading to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Excess sugar is one of the leading contributors to shortened lifespans in captive sugar gliders.
Salted or Seasoned Human Foods
Avoid any food high in sodium, spices, or artificial flavoring. Salt can cause dehydration and kidney stress. Spices like cinnamon, chili, and garlic powder may irritate the digestive tract.
Even “healthy” human snacks such as flavored nuts, seasoned popcorn, or salty crackers should never be offered. Plain, unsalted, unseasoned foods only.
Unsafe Insects and Protein Supplements
Insects are a natural part of the sugar glider’s diet, but not all insects are safe.
Wild-Caught Insects
It might seem logical to feed insects captured from your garden or backyard, but this is risky. Wild bugs can carry pesticides, parasites, or pathogens. For example, fireflies are poisonous due to lucibufagins — a defensive toxin that can kill a sugar glider in minutes.
Even seemingly safe insects like ladybugs or beetles may have ingested toxic plants. Always source insects from reputable breeders.
Toxic or High-Chitin Insects
Avoid feeding large, hard-shelled insects like mealworms regularly. While occasional mealworms are acceptable, they are high in chitin (a tough protein shell), which is difficult to digest. Excessive feeding can lead to intestinal blockages.
Better options include gut-loaded crickets, cockroaches (like dubia roaches), silkworms, and phoenix worms — all bred specifically for pet consumption.
Drinks and Liquids to Avoid
Believe it or not, what you give your sugar glider to drink matters just as much as food.
Sugary or Flavored Water
Never add fruit juice, honey, or sugar to your sugar glider’s water. While they may prefer the taste, this practice encourages dehydration and sugar addiction. Plain, fresh, filtered water should always be available.
Also, avoid milk, sports drinks, or vitamin waters. They can disrupt electrolyte balance and cause diarrhea.
Tap Water with High Fluoride or Chlorine
While not immediately toxic, tap water with high levels of fluoride or chlorine isn’t ideal. Over time, these chemicals can interfere with calcium absorption and thyroid function.
Using filtered or bottled water is recommended, especially in areas with hard or chemically treated water.
Plant-Based Hazards: Household Plants and Toxins
Sugar gliders are curious and may nibble on houseplants during playtime. Many common household plants are toxic.
Avoid having the following plants in your home — or keep them well out of reach:
| Plant Name | Toxicity Level | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) | High | Mouth irritation, swelling, digestive upset |
| Peace Lily | High | Oxalate crystals damage oral tissue |
| Poinsettia | Moderate | Irritation, vomiting |
| Ficus | Moderate | Skin and digestive irritation |
| Aloe Vera | High | Nausea, diarrhea, lethargy |
Ensure your home environment is pet-safe. Use only non-toxic plants like spider plants, bamboo, or orchids if you allow your sugar glider to roam freely.
Safe Foods vs. Forbidden Foods: Quick Reference
To help you immediately identify what’s safe and what’s not, here’s a concise breakdown:
✅ Safe (in moderation):
- Apples (seeds removed)
- Papaya, mango, kiwi
- Boiled eggs, lean chicken
- Gut-loaded crickets
- Leafy greens (romaine, kale, endive)
- Calcium-fortified water
❌ Strictly Forbidden:
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Avocado (all forms)
- Onions, garlic, leeks
- Xylitol or alcohol-containing products
- Raw meat, pork, processed meats
- Dairy and sugary snacks
- Wild-caught insects
- Salty or seasoned human food
- High-oxalate greens (spinach, beet greens)
Common Misconceptions About Sugar Glider Diets
The popularity of sugar gliders as pets has led to widespread misinformation, often shared on social media or through outdated care sheets. Here are a few myths to be aware of:
Myth: “Sugar gliders can eat anything small pets eat.”
Reality: Sugar gliders have a very different digestive system from hamsters, gerbils, or rats. Foods safe for rodents are not automatically safe for sugar gliders. For example, sunflower seeds (common in rodent mixes) are too high in fat and low in calcium for gliders.
Myth: “Fruit is natural, so more is better.”
Reality: While fruit is part of their diet, imbalanced fruit-heavy diets lead to calcium deficiency. Excessive fructose can suppress protein intake and lead to malnutrition, even if the glider appears healthy.
Myth: “They love sweet things, so treats are fine.”
Reality: Sugar gliders will eagerly consume sugary items, but this doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Treating them with human sweets encourages poor eating habits and increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Best Practices for a Healthy, Balanced Diet
To keep your sugar glider thriving, follow these evidence-based guidelines:
Adopt a Base Diet Plan
Use a well-researched formula such as the Priscilla’s Diet (HPW), the Bourbon’s Modified Leadbeater’s (BML), or the TGP diet. These are designed to balance protein, calcium, vitamins, and fruits appropriately.
Provide Daily Protein
Include a protein source every day — whether it’s insects, boiled egg, or a commercial protein mix. This supports muscle development and immune health.
Limit Fruit to 25–30% of the Diet
Use low-phosphorus fruits like apples, pears, and berries. Rotate fruit types to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Supplement with Calcium
Many glider diets require calcium supplementation. Use a calcium powder without phosphorus or vitamin D3 unless prescribed. Over-supplementing with D3 can cause toxicity.
Offer Fresh, Clean Water Daily
Change water every day and clean the dish thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup. Use a sipper bottle designed for small animals.
Monitor Weight and Behavior
A healthy adult sugar glider weighs between 90–150 grams. Sudden weight loss, lethargy, or reluctance to climb may indicate dietary problems. Consult an exotic veterinarian if these signs appear.
Conclusion: Responsible Ownership Starts with the Right Diet
Knowing what not to feed a sugar glider is a cornerstone of responsible ownership. These complex animals rely on their caregivers to provide a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Offering inappropriate foods — even with the best intentions — can have devastating consequences.
By avoiding toxic and harmful foods, understanding their natural dietary balance, and sticking to proven feeding guidelines, you’ll not only extend your sugar glider’s life but also improve their quality of life. Remember: a healthy diet leads to a happy, energetic, and affectionate companion for many years.
Prioritize education, consult exotic pet veterinarians, and stay up to date on the latest nutritional research. Your sugar glider’s health depends on it.
What human foods are toxic to sugar gliders?
Several human foods are toxic to sugar gliders and should be strictly avoided. These include chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and foods containing high levels of artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Chocolate and caffeine contain theobromine and other stimulants that can lead to seizures, heart palpitations, and even death in sugar gliders due to their small size and sensitive metabolisms. Onions and garlic, even in powdered form, can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Additionally, foods high in fat, salt, or sugar such as chips, candies, and processed snacks are harmful to sugar gliders. These items can lead to obesity, dental issues, and metabolic disorders. Alcohol and dairy products also pose serious health risks; sugar gliders are lactose intolerant, and alcohol is extremely toxic even in minute quantities. Always research or consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food to prevent potential health complications.
Can sugar gliders eat fruits high in oxalates, like kiwi or raspberries?
Fruits high in oxalates such as kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, and starfruit should be fed sparingly to sugar gliders. Oxalates bind with calcium in the body, preventing its absorption and potentially leading to calcium deficiency. This imbalance can contribute to metabolic bone disease, a serious condition commonly seen in captive sugar gliders that affects bone strength and mobility.
While these fruits are not entirely off-limits, they should only be offered occasionally and in small quantities as part of a varied diet. To maintain proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, it’s best to pair low-oxalate fruits like apples, pears, or grapes more frequently. Monitoring your sugar glider’s diet for oxalate content is essential for long-term skeletal and overall health.
Why should avocado be avoided in a sugar glider’s diet?
Avocado should be completely avoided in a sugar glider’s diet because it contains a fungicidal toxin called persin, which is found in the leaves, bark, skin, and pit, but also present in smaller amounts in the flesh. While some animals like birds and rodents are highly susceptible, sugar gliders can also experience adverse reactions, including respiratory distress, heart damage, and even sudden death if exposed to high amounts.
Even when the flesh appears safe, contamination can occur through contact with the skin or pit. Furthermore, the high-fat content of avocado is not ideal for sugar gliders, who thrive on low-fat, nutrient-balanced diets. For these reasons, it’s safer to eliminate avocado entirely from their diet rather than risk exposure to toxins or dietary imbalance.
Are nuts and seeds safe for sugar gliders to consume regularly?
Nuts and seeds can be included in a sugar glider’s diet but should be offered only as occasional treats due to their high fat and phosphorus content. While they provide protein and some essential nutrients, excessive consumption can lead to obesity and disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, increasing the risk of metabolic bone disease. Peanuts, for example, are especially problematic as they may contain harmful aflatoxins and have an unfavorable nutrient profile.
It’s best to offer unsalted, raw nuts like almonds or walnuts in very small amounts—no more than once or twice a week. Seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds can be given sparingly, but should not form the staple of the diet. Always prioritize nutrient-dense, balanced foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sources to ensure optimal health.
Can sugar gliders eat dog or cat food?
Dog and cat food should never be fed to sugar gliders, as they are formulated for entirely different species with different nutritional needs. These commercial pet foods are typically high in protein and animal fats, which are unsuitable for sugar gliders and can cause long-term health issues such as kidney damage or obesity. Additionally, they often contain artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products not safe for small exotic animals.
Sugar gliders require a specific balance of nutrients, including calcium, vitamins, and low-fat proteins derived from insects, eggs, or specialized glider diets. Feeding inappropriate foods like dog or cat kibble can lead to malnutrition even if the glider appears to be eating well. Always use diets approved by veterinarians specializing in exotic pets to ensure your sugar glider receives proper nutrition.
Is it safe to give sugar gliders dairy products like cheese or yogurt?
No, dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt are not safe for sugar gliders. These animals are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the necessary enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Feeding dairy can result in digestive upset, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration in such small pets.
While yogurt is sometimes promoted for its probiotics, the lactose content still poses a risk. Instead, beneficial bacteria can be introduced through safe methods like specialized probiotic supplements formulated for small animals. If calcium supplementation is needed, it should come from non-dairy sources such as calcium powder or calcium-rich vegetables like kale and squash, offered in appropriate quantities.
Can sugar gliders eat processed or canned foods?
Processed and canned foods are generally unsafe for sugar gliders due to high levels of sodium, preservatives, and added sugars. These ingredients can lead to dehydration, kidney strain, and dental problems. Canned fruits and vegetables often contain syrup or salt solutions, which are far too concentrated for a sugar glider’s delicate system. Even foods labeled as “healthy” for humans may not be appropriate for these tiny marsupials.
Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are always the better choice. If you must use canned items in an emergency, rinse them thoroughly and only offer them rarely. Ideally, any food given should be free of additives and as close to its natural state as possible. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods ensures that your sugar glider receives proper nutrition without exposure to harmful substances.